Ed Sheeran Revives Youth Club with New Facilities

A red-haired youngster poses at his local youth club, arms crossed and carrying a guitar.

Look closely and the lad has an uncanny resemblance to , who spent his childhood learning to play the instrument as he dreamt of becoming a globally famous popstar.

It is not a coincidence. The picture is indeed of a young Sheeran - and is among plans submitted to East Suffolk council for permission to rebuild the youth club in his home town of Framlingham.

The Daily Mail can reveal that Sheeran has saved the club - which he used as a child - from closure. 

It was to shut its doors for good next month after 20 years of being the pillar of the community.

Sources close to the Shape of You star say that when he heard it was to close, he sprang into action to not just save it, but also improve the facilities.

Plans show the new youth club will include music rehearsal facilities, an art studio, gymnasium, cookery classes and a library. 

Named FramFam, the centre will be funded by 35-year-old Sheeran and his charity, the Framlingham Foundation Trust, and run by several of his former school pals who are already active in local community work. 

'This is a real passion project for Ed,' says a source.

'He loves the area and feels strongly about giving back to his local community.

'He heard the existing youth club was closing down and wanted to step in and do something for kids growing up just like he did. 

'He's committed to paying for the building and also financing its maintenance and upkeep - along with financially supporting the charity who run it.

'Ed is very excited to be able to be a part of it, especially being able to provide arts funding and facilities. 

'He knows how valuable that sort of thing would have been to him when he was growing up.'